USB-CThe All-in-One Data, Video and Power Cable

3.1 USB-C to USB-C

With a USB-C plug at both ends, this is the cable of future. Available today, it's capable of transferring power, data, and multimedia content between new systems and devices with USB-C ports. It supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and can charge USB-C systems and devices with up to 5 amps.

3.1 USB-C to USB-A Gen 2

USB 3.1 SuperSpeed+ offers a whole new level of connectivity when it comes to transferring power and data between existing devices with USB-A ports and new devices with USB-C ports. It can charge USB-C systems and devices up to 3 amps and also supports SuperSpeed+ USB 3.1 data up to 10 Gbps.

2.0 USB-C to USB-A

It’s the perfect choice for transferring power and data between existing devices with USB-A ports (the type on most desktop and laptop computers, keyboards, and mice) and new devices with USB-C ports. It can charge USB-C systems and devices up to 3 amps and also supports highspeed USB 2.0 data up to 480 Mbps.

A: Type-A is one of the current connector types and will primarily be used as a platform for legacy devices while Type-C is the new standard moving forward. Additionally, Type-A and Type-C connectors are different shapes, so they will not work with one another.

A: It’s a new all-in-one solution for power, video, and data delivery using a single cable. Instead of having a backpack full of multiple cable types, you can have one type for all uses and USB-C is the only connector currently available to support the full functions of USB 3.1.

A: USB 2.0 took a decade to fully transition. USB 3.0 took 4 years to fully transition and is just now reaching price parity with USB 2.0. USB-C will take an estimated 3 years to become fully adopted (2017).

A: The faster data transfer speeds unlock the power of the VESA DisplayPort standard, which allows for delivery of full 4K Ultra HD video, and the ability to deliver 100 watts of power allows for quicker charging of mobile devices and laptops, as well as eliminating the need for separate AC adapters, power bricks, or different cable types. Additionally, the fully reversible design means that there is no right or wrong way to plug the cable into a device. So, no matter which end you grab or which side of the connector is "up", it plugs in the first time, every time.
In short: Easier to use. Less clutter. No more power bricks

A: USB 3.1 Type-C delivers a 10Gbps data transfer rate. This makes it more than 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and twice as fast as USB 3.0. It is also faster than the 6.0Gbps rate of the SATA III standard, allowing external hard drives to exceed the current speed of internal drives! The 10Gbps speed is the same as that of Thunderbolt, but it is half the speed of the 20Gbps offered by Thunderbolt 2. However, the cost of USB-C is about a quarter of that of Thunderbolt 2, giving it a lower cost/performance ratio, making it well suited for consumer applications.

A: The C refers to the connector style. Type-A connectors are the traditional rectangular plugs that we're all familiar with. Type-B is an older device-side connector, which is often used by printers, scanners, etc. Older mobile devices use the Mini Type-B connector, while most new devices use the Micro Type-B connector.

A: The ability to use a single cable for data transfers, to deliver video to a display, and power delivery are the key features of USB 3.1 Type-C. This allows it to be used to daisy chain multiple devices together, in much the same way as Intel's Thunderbolt interface is used in Apple products. However, it delivers this functionality at about a quarter of the cost of Thunderbolt, making it a much more suitable solution for consumer use.

A: Daisy chaining is a wiring scheme in which a chain of three or more devices are connected in series. For example, if you plug an external hard drive into your computer, then plug another external hard drive into that drive rather than directly to the computer, you have created a daisy chain.

A: Not necessarily. USB 3.1 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and during the transition period most devices will include both Type-C and legacy Type-A connections, so you're still be able to use your current cables. Adapters are available now, which allow you to plug your legacy devices into a Type-C port, and hybrid cables with a Type-A connector on one end and Type-C on the other are also available, so as devices transition to offering only Type-C ports, you'll still be able to use your old cables.